Promotion Potential

Supervisory Status

Who May Apply

Control Number

Job Announcement Number

Job Overview

Summary

*Are you a scientist interested in pursuing planetary science research? *Do you have experience in remote sensing and image processing as it applies to planetary geology studies? *Do you want to be part of the design and operation of new science instruments for the exploration of the planets and satellites? If you answered "yes" to these questions, then this is the job for you! Come join the USGS and start doing the job you've always dreamed of!

Why Is It Great To Work For The USGS?Embark on an exciting future! From the peaks of the highest mountains to the depths of the deepest seas, the U.S. Geological Survey has career opportunities that make a difference in both the lives of others and in the environment. Would you like to join the more than 10,000 scientists, technicians, and support staff of the USGS who are working in more than 400 locations throughout the United States? Apply today! As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems. The diversity of our scientific expertise enables us to carry out large-scale, multi-disciplinary investigations and provide impartial, timely, and relevant scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers related to: the health of our ecosystems and environment; natural hazards that threaten us; natural resources we rely on, and; the impact of climate and land-use changes. For more information about the USGS please visit http://www.usgs.gov/What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? This is an interdisciplinary position that may be filled as either a Geophysicist, Physical Scientist, Geologist, or Space Scientist, depending on the qualifications of the person selected.

This vacancy is also posted for current government employees or other applicants with "status" under vacancy number: PAC-2014-0212.

Duties

As a planetary science researcher within the Astrogeology Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

-Conduct research in geologic surface processes and their history on the planets and satellites.

-Research the origin and evolution of the interiors of the planets and satellites.

-Develop remote sensing techniques to improve our study of the planets and satellites.

-Provide scientific and operations support of human and robotic spaceflight missions.

-Design and operate new science instruments or missions for the exploration of the planets and satellites.

-Incumbent is expected to obtain external funds for research programs in planetary science and will lead and manage their research projects from initiation to delivery of final products.

Travel Required

25% or Greater

5 to 7 nights per month.

Relocation Authorized

No

Job Requirements

Key Requirements

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.

Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period.

More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.

Qualifications

This is an interdisciplinary position that may be filled as either a Geophysicist, Physical Scientist, Geologist, or Space Scientist, depending on the qualifications of the person selected. For information on basic qualifications, please click on the following:For Geophysicist, GS-1313:http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/1313.html.For Physical Scientist, GS-1301:http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/1301.html.For Geologist, GS-1350:http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/1350.html.For Space Scientist, GS-1330:http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/astronomy-and-space-science-series-1330/Specialized experience requirement.In addition to meeting the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must have one year of specialized research experience comparable to the next lower grade in the Federal Service.Research experience is defined as: Experience which has involved scientific inquiry or investigation and has shown creative and outstanding research and/or development that has led or can lead to major advances in a specific area of research. The work must have been creative in the sense that it developed a basic principle, product, concept, method, approach, or technique, or provided a body of basic information that opened the way for a major advance in the discipline or field of science. This work may have been achieved by providing a method of solving problems, opening areas of research and development or providing the means of exploring the application of science in a major area.Examples of Specialized Experience for this Position could include: Research in a discipline of geology, geophysics, or other physical science applicable to planetary studies (e.g., volcanology, impact studies, or seismology) resulting in (a) peer-reviewed scientific publications, (b) presentations at professional meetings, and (c) obtaining funding for planetary science research via competitive proposals.You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

This position requires specific educational course work to qualify. You are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) or list of course work, which includes semester hours earned and/or grade received, by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. This proof may be faxed, document uploaded, or hand delivered to the servicing Human Resources Office (see "Required Documents" and/or "Contact Information"). If you are currently employed by the Federal government in the same occupational series as the advertised position, you are not required to submit transcripts at this time. Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/foreign.html

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Security Clearance

Q - Nonsensitive

Additional Information

What To Expect Next

If you are rated as one of the most highly qualified candidates, you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30-45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified via email of the outcome. You can also go to "My Account" within USAJOBS to review your Application Status.

BENEFITS

Working for the U.S. Geological Survey offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The following Web address is provided for your reference to explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees. To find out more click here.

Other Information

The full performance level for a Research position is GS-15; however, promotion eligibility is dependent upon the scientific contributions of the incumbent as evaluated by a peer panel. Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position. USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private, direct or indirect interests in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations. The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

How to Apply

Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement: 1)Click the blue "Apply Online" button. 2)If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3)As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application. 4)Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. 5)Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy. 6)Submit required documents using one of the available methods listed below. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Vacancy Related Questions: As part of the online application process, you will need to respond to a series of questions designed to assess your possession of the following knowledge skills, abilities and/or competencies:Written CommunicationScientific KnowledgeDisseminate DataProgram/Project Mgmt.Technology ApplicationScientific InstrumentationBasis of rating: Category rating will be used in the ranking and selection process for this position. The quality categories are Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified. You will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position. If you are eligible, your on-line responses to the application questions will determine your placement in the appropriate quality category described above. Your responses must be substantiated by your resume. If you do not respond to the application questions you may be rated ineligible. Veterans' preference rules for category rating will be applied. NOTE: If it is determined that you have rated yourself higher than is supported in your description of experience and/or education as described in your resume/application, or that your resume or application is incomplete, you may be rated ineligible, not qualified, or your score may be lowered. To preview questions please click here.

Required Documents

If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, by the closing date of this announcement. If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans preference and that your character of military service is honorable. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must submit documentation that supports your claim (e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability; or receipt of a Purple Heart). If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans preference. Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, the Servicing Human Resources Office must receive proof by the closing date of this announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330 Subpart F for CTAP and 5 CFR 330 Subpart G for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. This includes a copy of the agency notice, your most recent Performance Rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Required documents may be faxed, uploaded, or hand delivered to the servicing Human Resources Office (see "Contact Information"). If you are a CTAP or ICTAP eligible, you will be considered well qualified if you earn a minimum score of 85 (prior to the assignment of veteran's preference points). For more information on CTAP/ICTAP please click here.If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under a special appointing authority, the Servicing Human Resources Office must receive proof of eligibility by the closing date of this announcement.Required documents may be: 1)faxed to the Agency Contact (see "Contact Information") 2)uploaded directly from your desktop 3)uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments 4)hand delivered to the servicing Human Resources Office (see 'Contact Information').Auto-Requested Fax: allows you to submit required documentation that will be electronically displayed along with your resume.For additional information on special appointing authorities, visit: http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/non_competitive.html